Leeds United forward Joel Piroe has proven to be a key contributor this season, leading the club’s scoring charts with six goals. However, his overall performances have sparked debate among fans and pundits about his role in Daniel Farke’s starting XI.

Leeds strengthened their promotion push with a hard-fought victory over Swansea City, claiming the top spot in the Championship. With 28 goals scored – second only to Middlesbrough’s 29 – Farke’s side is showcasing attacking prowess, yet questions remain about the optimal setup for the team.

As Leeds drive toward a Premier League return, Piroe’s place in the lineup continues to divide opinion. Should Farke persist with him, or explore alternative options to maximize the team’s potential?

talkSPORT pundit and former Premier League striker Darren Bent has pinpointed Joel Piroe as the weak link in Leeds United’s current lineup, questioning his role as the starting striker under Daniel Farke.

Piroe, who leads the team with six goals this season, was given the nod ahead of Mateo Joseph in the recent 4-3 victory over Swansea City. However, despite Leeds’ attacking success, the Dutchman had a quiet performance, failing to make a significant impact.

Speaking on talkSPORT (25/11, 6:40pm), Bent shared his doubts about Piroe’s suitability for the central role: “I’m not sure he’s the right option up front. Leeds scored four, but he wasn’t involved much. You need more from your striker.”

As the promotion race heats up, Bent’s comments reflect growing debate about whether Piroe’s goal tally justifies his continued inclusion in the starting XI.

Darren Bent has cast doubt on Joel Piroe’s role as Leeds United’s starting striker, suggesting the Dutchman hasn’t done enough to justify his place despite being the club’s top scorer with six goals this season.

Speaking on talkSPORT (25/11, 6:40pm), Bent expressed his concerns: “The one position I’m a little bit like ‘ooh, I’m not sure’ is Piroe up front. I mean, he’s got six goals, but I just feel like he could do more. Certainly, in the games that I’ve seen, I think he could do a little bit more.”

However, Bent remains confident in Leeds’ promotion prospects: “I still put Leeds right up there as one of the favourites to go up.”

Piroe’s performances continue to divide opinion, with many questioning if Daniel Farke should explore alternative options to lead the line.

Leeds United secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over Swansea City, but there’s a sense that they could have scored even more against a shaky Swans defense. Despite the three points, questions linger about Joel Piroe’s impact up front.

Returning to his former club, Piroe had a frustrating outing, missing the chance to boost his tally. He was denied an open goal when Ben Cabango inadvertently turned the ball into his own net and watched Manor Solomon smash home at the near post as he lingered just behind.

While the team delivered in South Wales, Piroe’s lack of sharpness in key moments has reignited debate over his role in Daniel Farke’s attack. With Leeds riding high at the top of the table, Farke faces a crucial decision on how best to utilize his attacking options.

Joel Piroe’s role in this Leeds United side is clear: he’s a finisher. His greatest strength lies in his ability to convert chances when they come his way, making him a natural goal threat.

However, his skill set may be better suited to a more specialized role. Whether it’s starting in games where opportunities are expected to flow or coming off the bench to seal results with a decisive strike, Piroe’s clinical nature makes him an asset in specific situations.

As Leeds push for promotion, Daniel Farke might consider utilizing Piroe’s strengths more strategically—whether that’s leading the line or becoming the go-to option for putting games to bed.

Joel Piroe’s goal-scoring contributions this season suggest that his best impact comes as a substitute rather than a starter. Of his six goals and two assists, only two goals and an assist have come from his eight league starts, while the remaining four goals and an assist have been delivered in just eight sub appearances—a far more prolific return.

Piroe thrives when the game becomes stretched, often benefiting from the hard work of others, particularly Mateo Joseph, who lays the groundwork in the first 80 minutes. When the opposition is fatigued, Piroe can come on and do what he does best—finish chances.

Given this, it might be argued that his role in this Leeds team should be to come off the bench and seal games rather than start. He is not the most optimal starting number nine, and until Daniel Farke can find a better way to incorporate him into the lineup, Piroe’s most valuable contribution may come as a super-sub.